Jacobi Relaunches Newport's The Ritz Ray Jacobi, previously the managing director of The Island Hotel Newport Beach, has been named managing partner of The Ritz Restaurant and Garden, an iconic Newport Beach dining institution in Fashion Island. Jacobi says he is focusing on bringing The Ritz "back to the forefront of Newport Beach dining" by delivering a "top caliber" product. In fact, popular singer and pianist Jimmy Hopper will croon soft ballads and easy pop favorites on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7-10 p.m. He is also re-introducing the "Ritz Bar Burger" during happy hour from 4-7 p.m. The Ritz Restaurant and Garden, 880 Newport Ctr. Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660, 949-720-1800.

Chef
Shuffle

Flight Bistro & Social Lounge in Huntington Beach has tapped chef Derrick Hamilton to oversee its new global tapas menu. Some of the new menu items include a sliders flight (barbecue bacon, spicy, wild mushroom), chimichurri-marinated shrimp, pad Thai chicken lollipops, and a salmon and potato rosti. Chef Hamilton is also debuting a summer menu of global fusion large plates. The restaurant also features free wireless internet service and half-priced tapas from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. daily. Flight Bistro & Social Lounge, 8082 Adams Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92646, 714-374-8300.